“It was awesome, tiring and refreshing all in one day. I was exhausted, but not in a bad way,” said Sleeman.
Sleeman is no stranger to the district. Prior to being hired as the new leader at McFall, Sleeman was a third-grade teacher at Lee Elementary since 2018. Prior to that he taught 6th grade in a neighboring district for eight years. His wife, Nicole, was teaching Young 5’s at McFall, but moved to 2nd grade at Lee this year.
Becoming a principal was always a path Sleeman said he was interested in at some point in his career. “When this position came open, I felt strongly that this building needed someone to lead it in a positive direction. I know Nicole loved teaching here. She sacrificed her comfort here at McFall for what was best for our family,” said Sleeman.
“This building is so positive and kind and we want to continue fostering that,” he said.
The young students have already found his office to be a place where they can come when they just need a smile, a high five, or a visit with the emotional support lizard, Luna, tucked safely in her terrarium in the corner of his office.
Sleeman said it’s all about building relationships with his staff at McFall, the students and the families. “I love the kids. I love to get out and see the kids and what they’re doing in the classrooms, at lunch, and on the playground. I just want to get to know them and I want them to know me. Same with the staff. I want to get out of the office more and get to know each of them better and just be someone they know they can come to if they need help with anything.”
He said the hardest part of the job so far is just trying to juggle so many different aspects of the job - discipline, teacher needs, families etc. But he said he’s a good time manager and has no doubt he will be able to attend to anything that arises.
Although he didn’t always know exactly what he wanted to do, his options always seemed to circle back around to working with kids in some way, whether coaching, being a camp counselor or mentor. He said he was also always inspired by his grandfather who was a teacher and coach and his grandmother who worked in special education.
Sleeman grew up in Otsego and then attended Spring Arbor University. Today, when he’s not busy at school, he is also busy with his own family life. He and his wife have four daughters - one in 2nd grade, one in kindergarten, and two younger ones, ages 4 and 2.
Sleeman said he’s incredibly honored and lucky to be at McFall. “I’m right where I want to be,” he said.
When asked about the future and where he might see himself in 10 years, he answered without a hint of hesitation. “Right here. Bill Rich was here for almost 30 years then Jon Washburn was here for 16 years. In 45 years there have only been two principals at this school. I envision being here for a long time.”
Michigan or Michigan State: Michigan
Favorite Food: Mexican
Perfect Day: “Go for a bike ride, read a book by the lake and have dinner with my wife.”
Favorite book: “Fantasy genre. I like books by Brandon Sanderson.”
Favorite Kids Book: “Where the Wild Things Are” and “The Book with No Pictures.”
Favorite TV: “I like to watch soccer and football. We end up watching HGTV a lot too.”
Favorite Sport: “Soccer. I played in high school and college and have been a coach.”
Superpower He Would Most Like to Have: “I would like to be like Flash and have super speed.”
Famous Person He Would Like to Meet and Have Dinner With: “Dan Campbell - Lions head coach. I think picking his brain would be fun.”
Why TK: “When Nicole and I had our kids, we wanted our kids to go to TK. Teachers here are supported so they can support kids. I love this community. I love being part of this community.”